Whenever my friends ask me where to eat in town, I always point them toward Cuppage Plaza. Nestled just a short walk from Somerset MRT station and the bustling Orchard Road, this slightly older, unassuming building holds some of the most reliable and diverse dining spots serving authentic Japanese cuisine in Singapore. Cuppage Plaza food is well known among Japanese expats and locals alike for its focus on authentic Japanese food rather than flashy presentation. I created this list because I frequently see people wandering aimlessly around Orchard Central and Somerset, overwhelmed by expensive mall options and entirely missing the fantastic, tasty food tucked away right here.
Over the past three years, I have actively eaten my way through Cuppage Plaza and the adjoining Cuppage Terrace. I have tried all of these venues multiple times, navigating busy Friday night dinner crowds and quiet Tuesday lunches. I have experienced the incredible highs of perfectly executed grilled dishes and the reality of long queues at some of the best-kept secrets. In my experience, finding a great meal here is all about knowing exactly what kind of vibe and authentic Japanese cuisine you want before you arrive.
Here are my top five favorite food spots at Cuppage Plaza, complete with honest pros, cons, and actionable tips to help you plan your next meal.
1. Ebi Bar: A Hidden Gem for Japanese Food with a Singaporean Twist
Ebi Bar is my pick for anyone who loves a rich prawn noodle and wants something a little different from your classic hawker fare. Tucked away in the basement of Cuppage Plaza Singapore, it’s a modern eatery that creatively blends Singaporean and Japanese food—think prawn mee meets ramen bar, in a chill, no-judgment setting. What sets Ebi Bar apart is their Chao Da (Charred) Ebi Noodles: a deep, umami-rich prawn broth made from simmering an absurd amount of prawn shells, served with actual charred prawns and springy noodles that soak up all that intensity. Every time I visit, I end up slurping down the last drop of broth, wishing I had the capacity for a second bowl.
The place fills up during traditional lunch and dinner times, so if you don’t want to queue, swing by just before noon or after the early dinner rush. No need for reservations most days, unless you’re coming in a big group. If you’re craving a funkier, fusion take on prawn noodles—one that’s bold and really delivers on flavor—this hidden gem is the place to eat.
Ideal for: Prawn noodle lovers, adventurous eaters looking to upgrade their classic prawn mee experience with a Japanese twist.
Steer Clear if: You’re on a hunt for traditional hawker prawn mee or hate crowds at peak hours.
Dining tip: Try the ramen version with the charred prawns—the extra “chao da” flavor is unreal. Visit outside traditional meal times for maximum comfort.
2. Skewers Yakitori Izakaya: Grilled Dishes and Izakaya Classics in Cuppage Plaza
Skewers Yakitori Izakaya is hands-down my favorite hidden gem in Cuppage Plaza for an old-school Japanese grill fix. This intimate izakaya is a real Tokyo throwback—classic noren curtains at the door, crackling charcoal grill behind the tiny counter seating, and a smoky, inviting atmosphere that immediately transports you out of Singapore’s humid chaos. What makes Skewers special is their honest approach to yakitori: expertly charred chicken thigh, neck skin, juicy meatballs, and seasonal veggies all kissed by the grill and glazed with a rich teriyaki sauce.
The best part? The simple joy of pairing those sticks with a cold Japanese beer. Regulars recommend the shiitake mushroom and chicken meatball skewers in particular—they’re always a notch above what you find at bigger chains. Portions are modest, so you can try a variety. Prices typically land around $35–$80 per person, depending on how adventurous you get with the drinks.
The only drawback is the limited space and tight seating; this isn’t somewhere to bring a big, rowdy group. But if you’re out for a solo dinner, a discreet date, or want to catch up with a friend over smoky bites and sake, this spot never disappoints. Reservations are smart for peak evenings.
Ideal for: Solo yakitori sessions, intimate catch-ups, and anyone dreaming of Japan’s cozy back-alley bars.
Steer Clear if: You need lots of space or plan to bring a big party—this place is compact and fills fast.
Dining tip: Nab a counter seat for a front-row view of the grill action. Don’t skip the shiitake or tsukune meatball skewers—they’re crowd favorites for a reason.
3. Izakaya Nijumaru: Authentic Japanese Cuisine and Izakaya Classics at Cuppage Plaza
If you’re looking for that nostalgic, old-school izakaya vibe in the heart of Orchard Road, Izakaya Nijumaru is the real deal. This place has been around for over three decades, led by the same head chef who has maintained the quality and authenticity of the cooking. It’s a genuine Japanese spot that’s all about homestyle comfort food and laidback energy. I come here when I crave hearty izakaya classics like karaage, tempura soba, and skewers, and want an environment that feels welcoming, not trendy. The interior is unfussy and a little dated, but that just adds to its retro charm.
Regulars love how affordable the menu is for Orchard Road, and the friendly, sometimes cheeky service adds to the izakaya feel. Some find the menu simple compared to glossier modern rivals, and don’t expect fancy plating or Instagrammable corners—but you’ll leave happy and full.
Nijumaru gets packed during weekend dinners, so I’d recommend coming just before 7pm if you want to snag a table with minimal wait. They take reservations for peak times, and it’s worth calling ahead. The low-key, slightly timeworn atmosphere is comfortingly consistent, so it’s perfect if you want authentic Japanese food at wallet-friendly prices.
Ideal for: Casual hangouts, nostalgic Japanese meals, or groups keen on izakaya classics without breaking the bank.
Steer Clear if: You’re seeking modern fine dining, ambitious plating, or a romantic “wow” factor.
Dining tip: Get the mixed skewer platter and pair it with a cold beer—the best way to sample the menu and enjoy the izakaya spirit.
4. Kazu Sumiyaki Restaurant: Legendary Grilled Dishes by the Same Head Chef for Over Three Decades
If you’re serious about yakitori and want to experience some of the best Japanese charcoal grilling outside of Tokyo, Kazu Sumiyaki Restaurant is a can’t-miss destination in Cuppage Plaza Singapore. This spot is legendary among locals and Japanese expats alike, building its reputation over nearly three decades. You walk in to the sizzle and aroma of premium chicken and seasonal skewers expertly charred over binchotan—a true show of grilling craft where the head chef’s artistry is on full display at the counter seating.
What really sets Kazu apart is both quality and range: from perfect chicken thigh and marbled wagyu beef teriyaki to adventurous picks like chicken sashimi (for the bold) and assorted vegetables. Their classic yakitori skewers (generally $5–$8 each) are what I always come back for; perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor, they arrive seconds after leaving the grill for maximum juiciness. It’s legitimately some of the best grilled food you’ll find in Orchard Road, though the price point—expect around $100+ for a full dinner with drinks—means it’s more of a special treat than a casual hangout.
Ideal for: Serious yakitori lovers, special occasion dates, or anyone keen on authentic Japanese grill with an impressive sake list.
Steer Clear if: You’re on a budget, want a quick meal, or get claustrophobic in tightly packed, busy rooms.
Dining tip: Request counter seats when you book—being right up front lets you watch the grill masters at work and soak up the best of the atmosphere.
5. Hanashizuku Japanese Cuisine: Elegant Dining with Only the Freshest Ingredients and Impeccable Service
Hanashizuku Japanese Cuisine deserves a spot on this list because it strikes an elegant, understated balance between refined Japanese dining and Cuppage Plaza’s lively, no-nonsense feel. This is the place I go when I want to treat myself to something a little more polished than the typical bar or grill. Here, the focus is on only the freshest ingredients, a creative menu, and thoughtful sake pairings—think premium appetizers and carefully composed seasonal specials that go beyond the usual izakaya classics.
The restaurant also offers a private dining room ideal for private gatherings or special occasions. The calm and intimate setting is best enjoyed for slower dinners—especially if you’re celebrating or want a long, sake-accompanied meal. It doesn’t have the party buzz of bigger izakayas but wins big in quiet comfort and finesse.
Ideal for: Sake lovers, refined izakaya dinners, or anyone seeking a quality Japanese food experience that isn’t stuffy or pretentious.
Steer Clear if: You want a quick, cheap meal, or prefer familiar, comfort-food-only menus.
Dining tip: Go for a sake flight paired with their seasonal specials—the pairing really brings out the nuances of both the food and drink.
If this list made you crave Japanese cuisines but this list is not enough for you yet, maybe try out the best Japanese Curry Singapore has to offer by clicking here!
Why Cuppage Plaza Food is a Must-Try for Fans of Authentic Japanese Restaurants in Singapore
Cuppage Plaza Singapore stands as a beacon for authentic Japanese food lovers. Unlike many places on Orchard Road that focus more on aesthetics, Cuppage Plaza’s strength lies in the quality of cooking and the genuine tastes that matter to Japanese expats and locals alike. Whether you want grilled dishes, sushi, sashimi, or classic rice bowls like katsu curry rice and beef teriyaki, you’ll find it here.
The building itself may not impress, but the food and dining experience more than make up for it. With eateries offering counter seating, small tables, and even private dining rooms, it caters to all kinds of diners—from solo adventurers to groups celebrating private gatherings. Many of the restaurants have been run by the same head chef for over three decades, ensuring consistency and mastery in every dish.
If you’re visiting, note the opening hours vary, but most places are open daily except some close on Sundays. The best times to visit are outside traditional lunch and dinner rushes to avoid long queues. And if you’re a fan of izakaya classics or want to explore authentic Japanese cuisine beyond sushi and ramen, Cuppage Plaza is a treasure trove of tasty food and best kept secrets.
Finding good food in Somerset does not mean you have to wander endlessly through giant shopping malls. Cuppage Plaza and its surrounding terrace offer a fantastic microcosm of Singapore’s dining scene, blending affordable local street food with premium seafood, authentic Japanese cuisine, and hearty international classics. I highly encourage you to step slightly off the main Orchard Road strip and give these five venues a try. You might just find your new favorite dinner spot hiding in plain sight.
For more detailed reviews, insider tips, and the latest updates on the best dining spots in Singapore, be sure to visit SG Dining Guide.
